On Aug 16, US Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, said the USDA has awarded $90.3 million in grant funding for 89 projects in 26 states to expand access to Unleaded 88 andother higher blends of ethanol.

Picture caption: Vilsack at the Investing In The American Bioeconomy discussion at the University of Minnesota on Aug 16

In Minnesota, the USDA said $17.5 million was awarded to 15 stations to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades such as fuel pumps, dispensers and storage tanks. 

“By expanding access to homegrown biofuels and clean energy systems, we are strengthening our energy independence, addressing the impacts of climate change and creating new market opportunities and revenue streams for American producers while bringing good-paying jobs in rural communities,” Vilsack said. 

In addition, the USDA said $9.97 million was awarded to Kwik Trip Inc for 60 of its stations located across Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In Minnesota, 22 Kwik trip stations will receive part of the aforementioned grant funding.

Vilsack made the announcement during his visit to Minnesota on Aug 16. His visit included an Investing in the American Bioeconomy discussion at the University of Minnesota and a visit to The Corner Store gas station in Inver Grove Heights, which is receiving $518,250 in infrastructure grant funding to install Unleaded 88 and E85 pumps.

The grant funding is part of the USDA’s $500 million Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Funding for the program is sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Guardian Energy CEO, Jeanne McCaherty, and Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association executive director, Brian Werner, participated in the American Bioeconomy discussion. 

In addition to the HBIIP grant announcement, Vilsack said the USDA also awarded $9.2 million in Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) grants to 71 projects in Minnesota.

Picture caption (from left to right): Vilsack, Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Angie Craig, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson and McCaherty.